Community Chat

[granddi]

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@patbz wrote:

@granddi: I worked in recruiting for years and in a phone interview, if you are asked a question about a hypothetical ( "name an instance where you did something successfully..." ) remember the STAR approach ( in your answer set up the Situation, tell what your Task was, what Action did you take and finally what was the Result).

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STAR!! you are

[software]

It can be intimidating but it's a great timesaver for both.

In addition to the other suggestions, try to put yourself in a quiet place, no background noises, no interruptions.

During the entire call, pretend you are looking at your future boss, and they are looking at you.   Even on the phone, posture is important, be comfortable but not slumped.    The interviewers can pick up on other things besides your direct answers.  

If you would fidget or fiddle during a face-to face interview, don't do it on the phone.

I've done a couple of these, I like to believe I'm on a short list if they take the time to call.

No company here relies on phone-only.    

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@granddi wrote:

Could someone familiar with the process of telephone interviews enlighten me as to the process.

From the company point of view, what are they expecting? Are they looking for the right answers to questions? Are they trying to gauge the applicants attitude or temperment?

Should the applicant ask lots of questions or do you wait to see if you get a face to face. 

Just hoping to get past the phone to the next level.

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[catchersmom]

@granddi Good morning! 

I have used phone interviews in the past  if we have a tremendous amount of applicants with potential, but they are always followed up by a face to face meeting (second round) if the applicant seems like a good fit.

Qualities I look for: articulate, able to easily converse in a professional manner, clear speaking voice, appropriate social reactions. During phone interviews I tend to ask more general questions "What interests you about working for our organization?" and save the more skill specific questions for face to face.

I try to start the interview process from the very first interaction. During extremely busy times with heavy volume of applicants I will often have our receptionist call the applicant to confirm we have received their application and ask if they are still interested in the position---we've weeded out quite a few that way! Her calls are recorded and when I play back the interaction she's been treated rudely, had profanity used, etc. It never ceases to amaze me because she always starts the call identifying herself and stating that our calls are recorded. If the applicant will treat the receptionist that shabbily then they are definitely not someone we are interested in.

Good luck to you! Please try not to be too nervous and know that you have much to offer. Keeping my fingers crossed

[gardenman]

I had a fully automated phone interview about a year ago. A pre-recorded voice asked you questions and you responded then pressed the pound key when you were done with your response at which point the next question would be asked. At the end you were allocated time to make a statement about why you'd be a good fit for the company. That was weird. I've also been asked to do webcam interviews.

[catchersmom]

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@gardenman wrote:

I had a fully automated phone interview about a year ago. A pre-recorded voice asked you questions and you responded then pressed the pound key when you were done with your response at which point the next question would be asked. At the end you were allocated time to make a statement about why you'd be a good fit for the company. That was weird. I've also been asked to do webcam interviews.

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@gardenman That's really interesting (pre-recorded questions) and something I have never heard of. I do find it a bit odd as well.

The webcam interviews is something I have been dodging lately lol. I'm the one that doesn't want to do them; we've had several applicants that have offered---they usually live out of state and are moving to our area and my employer doesn't pay for travel to interviews.

If you don't mind me asking--what is your opinion on the webcam interviews?

[gardenman]

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@catchersmom wrote:

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@gardenman wrote:

I had a fully automated phone interview about a year ago. A pre-recorded voice asked you questions and you responded then pressed the pound key when you were done with your response at which point the next question would be asked. At the end you were allocated time to make a statement about why you'd be a good fit for the company. That was weird. I've also been asked to do webcam interviews.

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@gardenman That's really interesting (pre-recorded questions) and something I have never heard of. I do find it a bit odd as well.

The webcam interviews is something I have been dodging lately lol. I'm the one that doesn't want to do them; we've had several applicants that have offered---they usually live out of state and are moving to our area and my employer doesn't pay for travel to interviews.

If you don't mind me asking--what is your opinion on the webcam interviews?

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I'm not a big fan of them. It's one more thing between you and the interviewer. I think the more one-on-one things are the better it is for everyone. 

[chrystaltree]

I managed a department of 40 plus for 10 years before I stepped into an analyst role.  I conducted many telephone interviews, they are actually screening interviews.  We look at the resumes and end up with a group of "possibles" and we do the telephone interviews.  There's no way to prepare for such an interview.  If you truly have the education, skill set, experience that you put on your resume;  you have nothing to worry about.   You need to be relaxed, focused, no interuptions in the house (no barking dogs, no people talking in the background)  and answer the questions.  Telephone interviews are not long.  I wanted get a "feel" for that person and whether that person would fit into the department.  Yes, to get a feel for that person's temperment.  Don't ask lots of questions but you should have 3 questions prepared in advance.   If you pass that telephone interview, you will get a face-to face interview.  Good luck!!!!

[granddi]

Thanks to all for taking the time to share your experiences.

[VaBelle35]

Is it an interview or just a phone screen?

Most companies use phone screens to screen out people who aren't qualified or are asking too much money than the job pays.

We use phone screens to save everyone time and weed the field of 30 or so good resumes down to 5 or so serious candidates.

We use a phone interview to narrow down the field to the top 2 or 3 and then we bring in the 2-3 to meet in person (or they will have a video interview in our office where the recruiter sits with the candidate and the managers are on screen.